Student Answer
because the students can't culture the bacteria and the optimal temperature to do so is 25°C but the scientists want to test the efficacy so they use at 37°C to speed up rate of reaction.
Misconceptions
- The student incorrectly states that 25°C is the optimal temperature for bacterial growth.
- The student believes the reason for using 25°C is because it is 'optimal' for students, rather than for safety.
- The term 'rate of reaction' is too vague; the correct term is 'rate of growth' or 'reproduction'.
Missing Points
- 37°C is used because it is human body temperature and therefore the optimum temperature for the growth of human pathogens like Salmonella.
- 25°C is used in schools for safety reasons.
- Using 25°C reduces the risk of growing harmful pathogens at their maximum rate, making the experiment safer.
Examiner Feedback
Your answer does not explain the reasons for the different temperatures correctly. You need to link 37°C to human body temperature, which is the optimum for pathogens, and explain that 25°C is used in schools for safety to prevent the rapid growth of harmful bacteria.
